Restricted Call: MRC Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) round three
The MRC have opened a call for outline proposals for round three of their Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) opportunity to enable UK research organisations to tackle complex and interdisciplinary health challenges. MRC CoREs will support bold and ambitious research focused on a defined challenge with the potential to prove transformative to biomedical research, health research or both. They must address substantial unmet needs in understanding or modifying human health and disease and have major strategic objectives achievable within a 14-year timeframe.
This challenge-led approach supports distinct and disruptive research that drives breakthrough advances and addresses specific bottlenecks through knowledge generation, technological or methodological innovation, with clear translational relevance. MRC CoREs will harness and network the best expertise in the UK, to bring together creative and diverse approaches for cross-sectoral and multi- or interdisciplinary working.
MRC CoRE awards provide support for up to 14 years. The initial duration of an award is seven years with review in year 6 to approve release of the second period of funding. The full economic cost (FEC) of a project for the first seven years can be up to £26.25 million and MRC will fund 80% of the FEC. It is expected that one or two new CoREs will be funded each year. Applications can be from a single research organisation or in partnership across multiple organisations and may include project partners. International co-investigators can be included if they provide expertise that is not available in the UK.
Outline applications will be made via the UKRI Funding Service platform. Proposals will need to explain the importance of the research challenge, the research approach and also address a number of areas listed in the call guidance under ‘How to apply’. Proposals will require clearly defined institutional support, including: provision and maintenance of lab space, access to existing facilities and digital support infrastructure, HR services, and underpinning of key staff positions. Details of approaches to environmental sustainability and enhancing a positive research culture will also be needed.
University Internal selection:
Institutions may lead only one application in round 3 of this funding call. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls policy.
To take part in the internal selection process please complete our online submission form (if asked to log-in, please use Raven details) by 25 November 2024.
You will need to prepare the following documents to complete the form submission:
- A document listing the project co-leads, collaborators, and external partners on the proposal with details of their departments and institutions
- A summary of the proposed MRC CoRE, covering the following:
a) Distinctive research challenge and approach: provide a clear, concise statement that articulates the challenge and outline (i) the gap/opportunity/unmet need the that the challenge addresses, (ii) the top level aims and objectives for the CoRE, and (iii) innovative approaches to delivering the challenge, with reference to knowledge transfer/exchange and research translation.
b) Leadership, operations and decision-making: describe (i) the track record of the Project Lead, (ii) the proposed make-up of the leadership team and approach to inclusive management of the CoRE, and (iii) approach to decision-making and agility in response to new scientific developments.
c) MRC CoRE environment and opportunities for transformational impact: with reference to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in all activities, highlight (i) cross-sectoral and multi- or interdisciplinary working, (ii) proposed approach to training/careers, and (iii) plans for external stakeholder activities including public engagement and involvement.
- Resume for Research for the Project Lead (PL)
- Head of Department support letter
The internal selection panel will assess against the following criteria
- Importance of, and approach to, the challenge - including research approach, translation and knowledge transfer
- Capability to deliver - including leadership team and partnerships & collaborations
- MRC CoRE environment - including training, careers and capacity building
Funder timeline for outline stage:
- Webinar: 20 November 2024, 10.30am – register here to attend, the webinar will be recorded
- Outline closing date: 13 February 2025
- Outline decisions communicated: April 2025
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk